What Parents Should Know About Discord Servers for Teens

Discord is a popular social network among teens and can be a positive experience if properly managed. But there are also potential risks, like exposure to explicit material, contact with strangers, and cyberbullying. Here’s everything you need to know about Discord servers for teens, including how they work, which types are popular with teens, how to evaluate if a server is safe, and tips for keeping your child safe on Discord. 

What is Discord? 

Discord is a messaging platform and social network where users come together around shared interests. 

Users can exchange text or audio messages through direct or group messages. The message board interface is reminiscent of Reddit, but it also includes real-time communication features. 

What are Discord servers? 

A Discord server is a community formed around a specific topic. Anyone can create a server and set it to either public or private. These servers are organized into text or voice channels, dictating how users can communicate within that server. 

There is a huge variety of servers, from harmless hobby communities to spaces filled with NSFW content.

What are some popular Discord servers for teens? 

If your teen is on Discord, chances are they’re hanging out in one of these types of servers: 

• Gaming. Because Discord was originally created for gamers, there are endless servers related to video games that are popular with teens, such as Among Us, Fortnite, and Stardew Valley. Many games have official servers, as well as teen-run versions.
• Anime. Anime, a Japanese style of animation, is extremely popular with teens. Many Discord servers include art, memes, and fandom discussions. 
• Fandom. From movies to bands to book series, any entertainment your teen enjoys is bound to have a related Discord server. 
• Hobbies. Photography, coding, music, and crafting are just a few interests teens connect around.
• Friendship/hangout. A number of Discord servers like Enchanted Lakes and Teen Cafe are intended as positive places for teens to hang out and find friendship. 

How do I know if a Discord server is safe for my teen? 

Discord can be a very positive experience for teens. But, like any platform allowing open chat, there’s a risk that your child may be exposed to inappropriate material, experience cyberbullying, or come in contact with predators. Here’s how to evaluate if a Discord server is safe for your teen. 

Green flags (safer servers): 

These are generally signs a Discord server is safe for teens: 

• Labelled as “teen.” Creators of Discord servers can add various labels to indicate the purpose of the community. Look for servers labeled “teen” to increase the chances it’s a safe place for your child. 
• Positive guidelines. Each server has guidelines. Look for ones that emphasize positivity and prohibit things like bullying, harassment, and explicit material. 
• Monitors. Look for servers with active moderators who enforce the guidelines. 
• Private servers. One of the best ways to ensure your child’s safety on Discord is for them to join private servers where only their friends gather. 

Red flags (unsafe servers):

These signs could mean a server is unsafe for your teen: 

• NSFW. Servers labeled as NSFW (short for Not Suitable for Work) typically include explicit content. 
• 18+ or other age warnings. Channels with age warnings should automatically be blocked for users under 18. But there’s no age verification on Discord, so kids can easily get around it. 
• Centered around M-rated or violent video games. These are bound to draw a lot of adult users and the discussions are likely to include content as violent as the game itself. 
• Little to no moderation or unclear rules.

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How can I help my child use Discord servers safely? 

If your teen uses Discord, it’s important to take steps to help them do so safely. 

• Screen servers before letting them join. If your teen wants to join a particular server, take a peek first to evaluate its safety and appropriateness for your teen.
• Talk to them about the dangers. Help your child understand the risks of Discord such as how to spot predatory behavior, what to do if they’re cyberbullied, and the importance of not private messaging with someone they don’t know. 
• Encourage private servers. Safer experiences come from smaller, invite-only servers with real-life friends.
• Monitor their use. BrightCanary uses advanced technology to scan everything your child types online and alerts you if they encounter anything problematic. 

FAQs about Discord servers for teens

1. Is Discord safe for 13-year-olds?

Discord’s minimum age requirement is 13, but safety depends on how your teen uses it. Public servers may expose kids to explicit content, bullying, or predators. Safer use often comes from private servers with real-life friends, combined with active parental monitoring on BrightCanary.

2. Can I block NSFW servers on Discord?

Yes. Parents and teens can block NSFW (Not Suitable for Work) servers and channels. However, since Discord doesn’t verify ages, kids can bypass age restrictions by entering a false birthdate. 

3. What should I do if my child experiences cyberbullying on Discord?

First, help your child block and report the user. Encourage them to screenshot messages for documentation. Then, talk openly about what happened, reassure them it isn’t their fault, and monitor their activity more closely.

4. How do I find safe Discord servers for my teen? 

Look for servers labeled as “teen,” “family friendly,” or “safe space.” Check that they have clear community guidelines, active moderators, and rules against harassment and explicit content. Private servers with friends your child knows in real life are generally safest.

5. Can I see what my child is doing on Discord?

Discord doesn’t provide built-in parental controls for monitoring chats. To see what your child is typing, you’ll need a third-party parental monitoring tool. BrightCanary scans everything your child types on Discord and across other apps, alerting you to harmful content.

6. What’s the difference between public and private Discord servers?

Public servers are open to anyone and often have thousands of members, making it harder to control what your child sees. Private servers are invite-only, typically with smaller, safer communities. Most experts recommend steering teens toward private servers with known friends.

Summary

Discord is an excellent way for your teen to interact with friends, learn about their passions, and connect with others around shared interests. But the open chat feature also creates risks for teens. Parents should screen Discord servers their teen wants to join, educate their teen on how to use Discord safely, and monitor their use on the platform. 

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